German Bundesliga became the first major league in Europe to resume action after about two months of league disruption due to Covid-19 pandemic that have claimed over three hundred thousand (300,000) lives globally.
The elite soccer competition restarted with six different games played across the country behind closed doors. Borussia Dortmund was the only team to pick its maximum points at home, with four goals past Schalke 04.
The game will be remembered for its unusual goal celebrations with players maintaining a meter apart and awkward elbow bumps. The iconic Signal Iduna Park stadium was void of spectators with every shout by players and coaches audible.
Strict code of conducts and regulations laid by the German football league was seen to be strictly adhered to, players and staff on the side-lines wore facemask, the number of ball boys admitted into the arena was reduced to four and a handful of reporters were allowed.
Bundesliga being the first major league to resume action in Europe has set high hopes for football lovers across the globe and a template for other league to emulate. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin says plans are ongoing for the 2019-2020 Season to be completed in August.
Premier League ‘Project Restart’ has been welcomed with mixed feelings amongst players and coaches, while the league administrators are of the opinion that the season should be completed to safeguard the financial and sporting future of football, some players are against its resumption.
Watford captain Troy Deeney wrote on his Instagram handle “If I feel that I’m not looking after my family, then I’m not going to do it. I am not going to put my family at risk” despite reassurance that regular testing and high hygiene regulations must be respected.
In Italy, The Prime minister Conte Guiseppe stated “before resuming the season, we need a few more guarantee”. Some impediment such as teams camping in a hotel through the remaining period to reduce exposure and isolating the entire team should there be any case are issues both clubs and the authority are yet to resolve, hopefully Seria A should be back in no distant time.
Similarly, in Spain government officials have given a green light to expand into group training as teams take further steps towards resumption of the la liga.
As government officials, football associations and clubs struggle to tie loose ends, spectators will not be allowed to attend these games but will view from the comfort of their homes.
Written by;
Uche Agba
